The dental and orthodontic market is changing all the time, with increasing emphasis on delivering what the patient wants in a way they want it. As clinicians we all have to retain some control on the treatment we deliver, after all we have the knowledge and the training to know what solution will deliver the best outcome, and hence our role is to advise and recommend, as well as do the work.
With so much choice, it’s important that all of the pros and cons of treatment are explained to a patient so they can make an informed choice on what treatment they go ahead with. Not only that, we have to properly consent them to have the work done in the full knowledge that they have been told of the risks, benefits, limitations and alternative treatment options.
Ideally, anyone having orthodontic treatment would have full fixed brace treatment (it’s the most effective method with most predictable outcomes), delivered by a highly trained and skilled specialist orthodontist. But we don’t live in an ideal world and we have to adapt and change to meet our patient’s needs and requirements – after all not everyone is looking for the perfect result or wants to pay a specialist to do their treatment. But not all braces work the same or get the same tooth movement, so it’s really important to know what you are having done and how it measures up to the ideal orthodontic treatment. So the answer to the question; “what is the most effective orthodontic treatment” is fully dependant on what teeth straightening result the patient wants.
Paula